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Making It Big Time

“If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.”– Isaac Newton

There is something called “Collective Intelligence”

Humans have been around for approximately 200,000 years, but up until about 70,000 years ago, we weren’t too different from any of the other animals in our impact on the environment.

Then, in a relatively short period, we became the dominant predator on Earth. A few 10,000 years later, we began settling into agricultural communities, and less than 9,000 years after that, we learned to write. Since then, our rate of progress has only gotten faster.

The modern world we enjoy today is inconceivably different from the world we’ve lived in for the majority of our existence.

What changed?

The answer lies in our ability to pass down knowledge.

Nothing Is Entirely Original

When most of us think about a discovery or an invention, we think of something new; something that did not exist before; something that seemingly came up to us out of thin air.

That is not an entirely accurate way of looking at it.

No discovery or invention is completely original: Any new idea, process, or method is in some way a combination of old concepts and information. Discoveries are never a product of pure single-handed originality.

There is no copyright on intelligence

Our humanoid prosperity as a species rests on our collective intelligence. Alone, and without the power of past knowledge, we would not be where we are today. Individually, we have to rely on others more than to depend on ourselves.

None of us can do it alone, and we do not have to. The intelligent creative process is nothing else than a way of finding relationships between people, between intelligentsia and what is already known.

Yes indeed, there is something called “Collective Intelligence” and by definition, everything that is “collective” does not carry individual ownership.

To grow and improve is a desire that most all of us share. Yet, in order to grow and improve we must first be willing to acknowledge our areas of weakness; we must accept who we are. Stop defending and start listening; feedback is the quickest way to learn about our weaknesses. Knowing our weaknesses is the most important step in overcoming them.

When a person’s views, ideas, or behaviors are threatened, any suggestion that conflicts with their idea or behavior can send a person into defensive mode and they are unable to take in much new information as they become solely focused on defending their position. They will deny, make excuses, challenge, rationalize, explain, justify, blame, avoid, withdraw, or go on the attack. To a person on the defense, any new knowledge feels threatening and they are unable to see any side but their own.

Given that our desire is to grow and improve, it is imperative to take steps to avoid this type of response. The most important element in avoiding it is to listen. Our ability to form healthy relationships with others is a direct result of our ability to listen well. Sometimes when hearing feedback, we must force ourselves to take a deep breath, or, if necessary, ask to be excused for a moment so you might step away and regain our composure. Then we can return with a clear head, ready to actively listen.

Be careful not to expect everyone to see things exactly the same way you do. One of the best things about diversity of thought is that it helps us to view things from different perspectives, so welcome the opportunity to expand your horizons. If, while receiving feedback, you are feeling attacked, feel comfortable to express you are feeling that way in a calm and respectful tone. Look for areas you can agree with them.

If you truly can’t find any points to agree with then ask for specific examples in a way to show that you have a genuine desire to better understand their point of view. Be quick to apologize when you should. Stay on topic. Don’t use the conversation as a way to start bringing up your own grievances that are unrelated to the current discussion.

After hearing the other person out with an open mind, if you are still struggling with their point of view, simply thank them for sharing their views with you and let them know that you genuinely want to take time to ponder what they have said, stating that you will come back to them after you have given it more thought.

When someone is willing to take the time to give you constructive feedback, listen. Truly confident people are able to listen respectfully to other perspectives, then to genuinely consider and evaluate if there is truth in what others are saying. They are able to do it without the feeling that other perspectives are in any way diminishing their own.

This is today’s way and the way of tomorrow: if you want to improve your situation, to improve yourself, stop defending and start listening.

Michel Ouellette JMD is a talented keynote and motivational speaker, public affairs & communications Strategist. For more about “Making It” in the years to come and coming soon: “Standing Out” by JMD.Order Now

This Blog appears once a week, every Friday with some occasional extra posts once in a while. Click on the “Following” button to get every new posting as soon as its goes live.

To find out “Daily” what is really happening in the world, follow my Daily Twitter Updates.

You want to make it big today and tomorrow? Just make sure to be memorable, just make sure to Stand Out of the Crowd!

What is it that one should one know about tomorrow, that the “End of the Word” is coming? Not likely!

The “End of the Word” as we know it? Most certainly!

Yes indeed, for whoever refuses to adapt to the changing times, the “Judgment Day” may be a lot closer than one may think. For who wants to make it, to survive and thrive in this new era of the modern that is now opening in front of us, it is truly and absolutely now time to realize that Gods, Angels and Prayers will not spare or save them or anyone, as they never did, from anything disastrous to happen. It is up to each and every one of this generation to adapt his or her mindset to the reality of this world and to start building for the future.

Don’t wait for opportunities; create them!

Believe it or not, stars don’t align; Gods and Angels are a myth, happy or lucky coincidences do not exist. It is only; as ever and more than ever, through real grit and determination, through hard work, sweat and tears, that one will you put himself or herself in a position to thrive.

If one is not willing to adapt now, one is not willing to succeed tomorrow. One is doomed to grief for the rest of his or her life, to a living hell on hearth. Inaction will not drive anyone anywhere. It is up to everyone to build his or her paradise or heaven on earth.

Believe it or not,there is absolutely nothing standing in the way of what one wants to accomplish. One’s only roadblock is he or she. One, by his or her fears, by his or hers superstitions and fabulations, creates his own misery.

Kill the old “You” and resurrect “Yourself” as a new person

Empower yourself; stop relying on your good fortune, stop relying the magical, the divine and the supernatural to ensure your wellbeing. Today, believe it or not, one’s social and professional life, growth and prosperity, happiness and fulfillment is nothing about the utopian world of the mystical and sacerdotal, it is all about money, relationship, salesmanship and personal branding. Nothing else!

Relationships is everything

If one is not young, fit and beautiful, one wants to make sure to be classy. If during a social event or a gathering, one waits for someone to come over and start a conversation, one might as well have stayed home. If one is struggling to find a job or to meet new people today, one will soon fall into oblivion. If one is struggling to find a job or to meet new people today, it is only because today, one is not being memorable.

Michel Ouellette JMD is a talented keynote and motivational speaker, public affairs & communications Strategist. For more about “Making It” in the years to come and coming soon: “Standing Out” by JMD.Order Now

Please note that from now on, this Blog will appear once a week, every Friday, with some occasional extra posts like today. Click on the “Following” button to get every new posting as soon as its goes live. To find out “Daily” what is really happening in the world, follow my Daily Twitter Updates.